Word Origin & History

multiply mid-12c., "to cause to become many," from O.Fr. multiplier, from L. multiplicare "to increase," from multiplex (gen. multiplicis) "having many folds, many times as great in number," from multi- "many" + base of plicare "to fold" see ply (v.)). Mathematical sense is attested from late 14c. Related: Multiplier.

Example Sentences for multiply

But they too, I conceive, can "multiply examples" for their side.

So, if we multiply by 3, we get the same result starting from the star.

Will it swing back the more often, the more we multiply the blows?

To divide 18 by .9 (or nine-tenths) we, of course, multiply by 10 and divide by 9.

And when we multiply a ratio by √5, what is the meaning of this operation?

I will not multiply instances, as I might do, nor need I offer further comment.

So that all living creatures might increase greatly and multiply, the kindly god created Love, which he made to be Happiness also.

Let your needs rule you, pamper them—you will see them multiply like insects in the sun.

Now the voices of the pursuit became frequent, and began to multiply.

The principle is the same; and if the principle is right, why not multiply methods?